Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I repeat that implementation is continuing of the actions contained in the second national strategy for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. I am very keen to ensure the strategy will be part of the focus of all interested parties. I acknowledge what the Senators have said about enactment of the domestic violence legislation being a major step forward in enabling us to ratify the Istanbul Convention. It is my intention to publish in the coming weeks the final item of legislation required for ratification. I would like to have it published before the end of November. We will then have three weeks before the Christmas vacation, within which I will be very keen to make progress. In that regard, I look forward to the constructive engagement of the Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is technical legislation, but in working together we can ensure its early enactment. It is my firm intention to ensure the Istanbul Convention will be ratified as soon as practicable thereafter. The timeframe for its ratification is early 2019.